Alarmingly, 70% of American women facing surgery for breast cancer are not told about the option of breast reconstruction.
Perhaps one of the best things about breast reconstruction is that it can be performed at any time…. you can never “miss the boat” so to speak. Regardless of the timing of the procedure, breast reconstruction enables women to feel whole again, not just physically but also emotionally.
There are several reconstructive options ranging from breast implants to using the patient’s own tissue. Tissue (or “flap”) procedures recreate a “natural”, warm, soft breast and are associated with fewer complications than breast implants.
Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy ("immediate reconstruction") or any time after mastectomy ("delayed reconstruction"). When the mastectomy and reconstruction are performed at the same time, a skin-sparing mastectomy can usually be performed which saves most of the natural breast skin envelope. Only the actual breast tissue under the skin is removed. The reconstruction then "fills" this empty skin envelope. In some cases nipple-sparing mastectomy can be performed. This preserves the nipple and areola as well as all the breast skin.
Skin-sparing (and nipple-sparing) mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction produce the most "natural" results with the least scarring. Patients undergoing immediate reconstruction also avoid the experience of a flat chest altogether. Immediate reconstruction is therefore preferred whenever possible and should be the goal for patients with early breast cancer (stage I or II).
In some cases breast reconstruction cannot be performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Reasons include advanced breast cancer (stage III or IV), inflammatory breast cancer, the plan for radiation therapy after mastectomy, and lack of access to a reconstructive plastic surgeon.
As I already mentioned at the beginning of this post, most women unfortunately are not made aware of their breast reconstruction options. I therefore encourage all women interested in breast reconstruction to research their options and seek a referral or consultation with a plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction.
You can see real patient results after immediate and delayed breast reconstruction in our photo gallery here.
Dr C
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PRMA Plastic Surgery specializes in advanced breast reconstruction procedures that use the patient's own tissue. Procedures offered include the DIEP flap, SIEA flap, GAP flap, and TUG flap reconstruction. We are In-Network for most US insurance plans. Patients are routinely welcomed from across and outside the USA. Connect with other breast cancer reconstruction patients at www.facebook.com/PRMAplasticsurgery.
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